Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

A person with bipolar disorder will experience different symptoms depending on the phase they are in—manic phase or a depressed phase. In some very rare cases, manic and depressed symptoms occur simultaneously or in very quick succession in people with bipolar I disorder. This is called a mixed episode. These symptoms would be more intense in someone with bipolar I disorder and less severe in someone with bipolar II disorder.

Mania Symptoms

A manic phase may last from days to months and is marked by elevated mood and poor impulse control. An individual might exhibit:

• increased energy
• unusual talkativeness
• hyperactivity
• racing thoughts
• easy distractibility
• irritability
• little need for sleep
• inflated self-esteem
• grandiose thoughts about one’s abilities

One of the most dangerous symptoms of mania is the practice of reckless behaviors that a person would not otherwise engage in. These recless behaviors include:

• unprotected sexual encounters
• binge drinking or drug use
• spending sprees
• foolish business investments
• making rash decisions that put themselves or loved ones in harm’s way.

Depression Symptoms

A depression phase is characterized by:

• sadness
• uncontrollable crying
• feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• excessive guilt
• fatigue or listlessness
• anxiety
• sleep disturbances (either oversleeping or inability to sleep)
• eating disturbances (either eating too much or too little)
• loss of interest or enjoyment in activities one typically enjoys
• withdrawal from friends and family

In bipolar disorder, suicide is a significant risk, occurring in 10 to 15 percent of people with either type I or II. Suicidal thoughts and attempts are more likely to happen when the individual is in a depressed state. Other forms of self-harm, such as cutting and self-mutilation is also common in people with bipolar disorder I or II.